Sandy Parts
See Extract from HANSARD -Written Answers from 1 Sept 14. Last question from Kevin Jones re leasing 4 x P8 airframes, and interesting reply from the Minister.
1 Sep 2014 : Column 103W
Mr Dunne: The decision to extend the Sentinel long-range airborne surveillance aircraft until 2018 was made in the Department’s most recent financial planning cycle. The decision was taken to preserve a capability to conduct wide area surveillance of operational environments in the short term, and to allow the longer-term requirement to be considered during the next Strategic Defence and Security Review.
Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the new contract to extend the life of the Sentinel aircraft until 2018 will be signed. [206329]
Mr Dunne: The Sentinel aircraft fleet is supported by a number of logistic support contracts, each of which has a different expiry date. Defence Equipment and Support is currently working to extend all contracts before their respective expiry dates.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of expanding the capabilities of the Sentinel R.1. [206985]
Mr Dunne: Enhancements to the Sentinel R1 aircraft are currently the subject of commercial negotiations. I am therefore withholding details of the potential costs, as the disclosure of this information would be prejudicial to the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence.
Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communication (a) he and (b) officials in his Department have had with the Boeing Company regarding the lease of four P-8A aircraft. [206988]
Mr Dunne: I am withholding the information requested, as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the formulation or development of Government policy